Helen Baker is founder and financial adviser at On Your Own Two Feet, which specialises in providing advice to women.

First memories of playing soccer?I didn’t play until I was 17 or 18, but I grew up watching it every week. My dad coached and refereed and both my brothers played. I just loved it.

Are you a member of a club and how often do you play?I’ve played for clubs in Australia and for a few years in Britain, but not professionally. I’ve been at St Pauls Uniting Sporting Club in Brisbane for eight years, playing Division 2. We play weekly, and recently twice weekly, to get through all three rounds.

What position do you play?Centre midfield – the “engine room”. I love setting up strikers and protecting the defenders. There’s plenty of action and touches on the ball.

Did you ever want to play in the big league?I knew I was not good enough so it was never a thing for me. I love seeing those players who are good enough though and encouraging them.

Matildas captain Sam Kerr (centre) celebrates a goal against Brazil in the Women's World Cup last month. EPA

Describe your training regime.It’s changed over time from the old turn up and play, to a warm-up and stretching, and magnesium tablets, chiro, massage, yoga and Pilates. So Monday is body step and yoga, Tuesday Pilates and training, Thursday is Pilates again. Friday is BodyAttack, a high-energy workout. We play on Saturday. Sunday is stretch plus kayaking or boogieboard, and a massage. (You’d think I’d be thinner doing all that.)

Do you have a good technique?I love kicking the ball and using all the skills, but sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way I saw it in my mind.

Speed or stamina?Stamina. I’m more of a “run all game person” (preferably at my pace).

Greatest strength as a player?Reading the game. Watching it as a little girl helped me with understanding structure and knowing what to do. Teammates say they love to hear me calling out where to pass or whether to shoot.

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Who would you most like to play a game with?I dreamt once I was playing with then Arsenal players Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry and they told me to take a free kick. But as I was readying the shot I woke up, so I don’t know if I would have scored. So them, the Class of 92 (as six Manchester United players came to be known in a 2013 documentary of the same name), Arsenal Women Football Club, and the Matildas.

Which is more important on the field - physical skills or thinking on your feet?I think it’s both. I see some kids today and they have natural physical talent and the ability to read the game. Wow.

Most inspiring player?Former England, Arsenal and Aston Villa player Paul Merson. In my teens, he was the best player I’d ever seen.

Most memorable moment?In the first game after my father died, I took a free kick, saying, “This one’s for you, Dad,” and it hit the proverbial “postage stamp” top corner of the net.

Tips to become a better player?Enjoy playing. There’s too much focus on being the next star. If you love it, you have a better chance of staying committed. Practise a lot and watch a lot.

What do you love about the game?The team camaraderie, being creative with the ball, and the fitness.

What do you dislike about the game?The video assistant referee. It didn’t stop controversy. It just changed what was controversial.

What would you change about the game of soccer?Get rid of of the video assistant referee and respect real referees. If you treat referees badly, they won’t referee any more. And fees. There is something very wrong here. The amounts overseas professionals earn are absurd. The contrast with the poor, or even just the everyday person, is ridiculous. Salaries like this are only made possible by gambling sponsorship.

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